Alabama Republican operatives say the race is likely to include a wide array of candidates, from tea party stalwarts to popular state legislators in this heavily Republican district located in suburban Birmingham.

Potential Republican candidates include:

State Sen. Cam Ward, who served as Bachus’ district director in the late 1990s before leaving to run for the state legislature.

State Sen. Scott Beason, a member of the tea party who waged an unsuccessful primary challenge to Bachus in 2012.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead, a social conservative who used to serve in Ward’s state Senate seat.

State Rep. Jack Williams, chairman of Alabama’s House Commerce Committee.

State Rep. Paul DeMarco, chairman of Alabama’s House Judiciary Committee.

State Sen. Slade Blackwell, whose district is located in the most affluent part of the 6th District.

Since our minds cannot predict their own future, civilization’s advance consists of learning from our mistakes, taking into account the lessons of accidents, and making the most of the fleeting circumstances we are faced with.